MOL Charitable Trust : Mauritius' first Earth and Ocean Laboratory inaugurated

On Wednesday, September 3, the Earth and Ocean Laboratory was inaugurated at Université des Mascareignes(Note 1), supported by the MOL Charitable Trust ("the Trust") (Note 2). The opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Kaviraj Sharma Sukon, Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, and Mr. Yasuo Suzuki, representative of MOL (Mauritius) Ltd and Chairperson of the Trust's Steering Committee.

The laboratory was established in collaboration with the Mauritius Oceanography Institute and aims to map seagrass meadows and provide vital scientific data. Alongside the opening, a "Seagrass Sensitisation Campaign" was launched to raise student awareness about the importance of these ecosystems.

Seagrass serves as a carbon sink, provides marine habitats, and protects coastlines, while marine conservation contributes to sustainable tourism. Researchers at the Earth and Ocean Laboratory emphasized that although seagrass is often overlooked compared to coral reefs, it is essential for marine biodiversity and coastal stability. They emphasized that the laboratory provides a platform for students and researchers to monitor and safeguard these ecosystems.

MOL will continue to raise awareness of marine conservation and support contributions toward a more sustainable society.

(Note 1) A public university in Mauritius promoting innovative education, fostering student potential, and supporting local communities through globally focused scientific research addressing social challenges.
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(Note 2) Please refer to the press release dated June 21, 2021, and the website's "Funding" page.

Participants and commemorative panel for the Earth and Ocean Laboratory opening